Reverse Shoulder Procedure Available For East Texans

An old surgery with a new twist is now available here in East Texas. One of the most common causes of shoulder injuries is damage to the rotator cuff-- a group of tendons located under the shoulder blade. Standard surgery can fix the damage for some, but for others they may need the reverse shoulder procedure.

Lifting weights is no problem for 68 year old Glenda Cruthirds, but that wasn't the case less than a year ago. "Simple things that I could not do," say Glenda Cruthirds, Patient.

She has had shoulder problems for the last 5 years. "It broke in four places three of breaks could be repaired very well. The limit of my arm was about like this (raising arm to shoulder height) and when I was teaching I would have to hold my arm up and write on the board," Glenda.

Several years ago, Glenda had a regular shoulder prosthesis, but over time it was eroding into the bone. "Complete pain all up in my arm, very severe very deep excruciating pain," says Glenda.

Dr. Scott DeVinney an orthopedic surgeon with ETMC helped with the development of the reverse shoulder prosthesis and recommended this new procedure to Glenda. "The reverse prosthesis is for anyone who has a massive tear in there rotator cuff. It could be from failed surgery or just a massive tear of their rotator cuff and hasn't been addressed over time," says Dr. DeVinney.

"This is a reverse shoulder replacement, we put the ball where the socket was and the socket where the ball was and the design of this device keeps everything centered," says Dr. DeVinney.

Now, Glenda is able to reach to new heights. "The refrigerator I can now open the door which may sound like a very simple accomplishment but it's a big accomplishment," says Glenda.

Something Glenda had not been able to do for years.

Dr. DeVinney says the reverse shoulder procedure helps to significantly relieve pain as well as increase mobility and range of motion.

If you have questions about this procedure, you can call ETMC Orthopedic at 903-594-2653.

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Just the word "snake" brings shivers to a lot of people. Many people do not want to be around them, and as soon as a snake is spotted, many try to kill it. It is important to understand snakes because they play an important role in the balance of nature.